Do you wish to undertake a different type of a phenomenal vacation that is truly magical, at the same time providing all amenities and luxuries of a five star hotel. Then get on board a cruise ship and sail away on the most exciting vacation! I assure you, you’ll love it, there’s never a dull moment whatsoever! Cruise holidays are the perfect recipe for an unforgettable retreat – a heady mix of sea and land experiences. Cruise lines are like massive luxury hotels, except that you’ll be drifting on the sea.
All standard cruise liners have a multitude of facilities and innumerable activities to suit everyone – from pool deck to watersports, gym, spa, indoor and outdoor sports, fantastic theatre, hit shows and movies, onboard shopping , casino to innumerable restaurants serving your favorite cuisine and of course sightseeing on days when the ship halts at a port destination.
Though there are different classes of cruises , here’s a detailed article about everything first timers would be eager to know and what to expect on a standard cruise ship.
Water activities and swimming pool – the pool deck is one of the most popular area for both kids and adults. You can choose from temperature controlled whirlpools, jacuzzi to full sized plunge pools and separate Splashaway bay for the little ones. Make sure that you are well equipped with swim gear, sunscreens and other swimming accessories!
Relax in these water bodies, with a mocktail in hand, whilst soaking in great views of the endless blue ocean. This area morphs into an open air theater in the evenings, bright and well-lit, and screens a popular movie.
Going one step ahead, cruises like Disney have the huge, meandering water slide – the absolutely thrilling `Aquaduck’. Expect a queue on this paid ride though.
Sports and games – a plethora of complimentary things to do – table tennis, mini golf course, mini go-karting, video games to choose from. Carry sports shoes and gear for a great experience! Some ships also have gaming zones for young adults, and play area for tiny tots.
Most cruise ships have a freestyle approach – denotes that you are free to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Gorge on yummy food to your hearts content, take a shot in the mini-golf course, watch a live production show at the plush theatre – complete with singing, dancing and drama, or merely relax in your cool room, enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean from your balcony.
There are different categories of rooms too, depending upon your preference – standard state-room or suite. Whatever their type – they are all comfortable, spick and span, with great ocean views.
You’ll be astounded by the variety of unlimited, delicious food and drinks at your disposable on board.
A lavish breakfast buffet in the mornings, to a range of complimentary, specialty restaurants offering diverse menus for cruisers to choose for lunch. Or a formal seven course, elaborate dinner served at one of the gourmet restaurants. Be awed by the most warm hospitality, and cheerful, courteous stewards. For dinner time there is a mandatory formal dress code. As such, it is imperative to have with you formal dresses and footwear too.
And for that in-between food cravings, snack and salad counters are open at fixed hours for guests to help themselves to. In the evenings you can head to the lounge for a variety of snacks and beverages. Tiny tots would be delighted to find a soft swirl machine counter that would instantly take them to a fairy land!! Simply press a button and get yummy ice-cream in vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavors in a cone.
You can expect a lot of late night entertainment too – bars, free signature cocktails/ drinks, live music, band, access to lounges and often live games in which you can participate in.
Undoubtedly, a cruise journey is an exclusive vacation which fulfills almost all requirements of our everyday life back home – featuring even a jogging track, that would not let you miss out or disrupt your daily jogging schedule!!
Cruise ships have a planned itinerary of sailing at sea and stop-overs at destinations en-route. Guests get an opportunity to dis-embark for sight-seeing and return to the ship at a designated time. There is also an option of organized group tours for which you need to prior book on board itself. Or you can even explore on your own, provided you’re back in time.
Below is a list of necessary items you need to pack for a cruise vacation
1) Formal dinner outfits and footwear
2) Swimwear – including swimming accessories (cap, goggles)
3) Sunscreen lotion is a must, sunglasses, cap
4) Water-proof bags to carry wet clothes
5) Light woolens/ jacket, shrug – for chilly nights
6) Sportswear, sneakers
7) Casual wear, flip-flops
8) Lightweight backpack – for day excursion on shore
9) Medicines for sea sickness
10) Passport, identity card and travel insurance
And in the eventuality of not having any item of clothing, there’s no need to be hassled. Shop from the line up of stores on the cruise – though it maybe a limited choice.
Getting on board a cruise ship may not be the quickest process. Though that is an inevitable part of any journey – with thousands of passengers boarding, security check-ups and baggage drop off. Nevertheless, the fun and excitement far outweighs any of those !
Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss
